How can I get my baby to stop hating being in a sling?

Question

I want to be able to wear my baby in a sling either on my hip or on my back.. I bought the $35 baby wrap thing, but as soon as I try putting her in it, she cries. She loves being held, but I love being able to use my hands to do stuff! Is there a compromise? How can I ease her into it? She's 18 months old.

Answer 1

Good grief why start carrying her around at 18mths when she should be walking?  What have you been doing with her up till now?

Answer 2

I had this problem myself.I use to use it on my daughter when she was small, and thought I would try it again when she was a little older, and she wanted no part of it. I have since had a second child, and now at two she likes being in it (maybe it is a jealousy thing) but even still she doesn't want to be in it for very long.

Unfortunately I don't think there is much you can do. IT really sucks to spend money on it and not use it, but you can always try selling it.

Answer 3

Try playing games as you wear her.  Bump her up and down on your hip, while singing rhymes and nonsense songs.  It might distract her from the fact that she's in the sling.

You could also try giving her the choice about being in there.  She can either walk or she can go in the sling.  That way, being carried in your arms is not one of the options.

My 18-month-old wants to be carried all the time, too, so I know how useful a baby carrier is!  Good luck.

Answer 4

She wants to move around. She wants to explore and she's ready to detach from Mom (sort of). Let her have her freedom. Don't force her to be in a sling if she doesn't want to. You wouldn't enjoy being forced to sit in something where you can't have the use of your arms or legs.

Put the sling away for the next baby. It's time for both of you to detach.

A compromise? Safety gates! Let her roam around the living room with toys and let her play, but put baby gates up at all stairways and entrances, such as to the kitchen, and close all the bedroom doors. Then you know she's safe, happy, playing, you know where she is, and you can get things done.

That's what we do with our 16 month old.

Answer 5

Time to walk! She is giving you signs that she is ready to run around without being carried. It is natural and healthy for both of you. Keep the baby sling for the next baby. 18 months is a toddler - (toddle is the root word). Be happy she is developing and doesn't want to be carried everywhere.